Machine for deploying and retrieving traffic barricades

ABSTRACT

A machine for deploying and retrieving traffic barricades, with an anchor, line or wire connecting the barricade units, a reel, and a retrieval devise.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of traffic control, and more particularly to a machine for deploying and retrieving traffic barricades. The invention allow easy, safe, and fast deployment of readily portable barricade.

[0002] Ever sense there has been traffic, whether it was foot, beast of burden, or wheeled vehicle there has been needs to temporary direct the traffic a certain way. This need may be to direct traffic around a danger, or keep the traffic from endangering someone. The barricades have been as simple as a rock or tree to an elaborate fence on an interstate. Whatever the type of barricade used, it has to do the job, be relative easy to deploy and retrieve and be understood be the people being directed.

[0003] All kinds of things have been used for barricades things found locally such as, trees, rocks, piles of dirt, etc. They worked and still do. However barricades that must be more temporary and be more easily understood are used more often.

[0004] Sawhorses, cones and signs are the most common traffic barricades used today. It is important the what ever is used for the barricade, is that it gets peoples attention and they understand what they are to do. These items are understood and do a good job directing traffic.

[0005] The fact that the present barricades work and are understood does not mean that they can't be improved upon. A good barricade must be safe and easy to deploy and retrieve. The present barricades, cones, sawhorses, and signs, are big and clumsier, hard to deploy and take up a lot of room. Railroad flares a very common temporary tool to direct traffic is a fire hazard in windy conditions or can't be used if there is a fuel spill. The flares also leave an environmentally unfriendly residue when the burn out. Flares must be watched to keep them burning. Some times the bright light mesmerizes the drivers and they lack direction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The primary object of the invention is allows the safe deployment of barricades.

[0007] Another object of the invention is there is no fire hazard.

[0008] Another object of the invention is the barricade can be deployed from the safety of the car or other vehicle.

[0009] A further object of the invention is there is nothing to harm the environment.

[0010] Yet another object of the invention is there is nothing to clean up after picking up the barricade.

[0011] Still yet another object of the invention is the barricade will work as long as necessary and not burn out.

[0012] Another object of the invention is the barricade can be deployed fast.

[0013] Another object of the invention is the barricade can be picked up quickly.

[0014] A further object of the invention is traffic is easily guided as the barricade is deployed.

[0015] Yet another object of the invention is the barricade can be deployed from either side of the vehicle.

[0016] Still yet another object of the invention is the beginning of the barricade is easily seen.

[0017] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0018] A machine for deploying and retrieving traffic barricades comprising: an anchor, line or wire connecting the barricade units, a reel, and a retrieval devise.

[0019] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a plan view of the invention showing the major components of the barricade system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

[0022]FIG. 1 shows the machine for deploying and retrieving the traffic barricade. The basic invention comprising an anchor 11, a wire or line connecting the flags or reflector 12, the individual units of the barricade 13, the reel 14 and the retrieval devise 15. The operation is as follows; the anchor is placed on the ground with the line or wire attached to it. As the devise the assembly is mounted on moves away from the anchor the barricade is stripped from the reel. The flags or reflectors that make up the barricade are attached to the line. The flags or reflectors on the line may have lights that help alert the drivers and the barricades direct them in the proper direction. When the barricade is not needed it can be easily retrieved. The retrieval mechanism, whether it is mechanical or electrical is activated and the reel winds the barricade up as the deploying devise is backed up toward the anchor. When the devise reaches the anchor the anchor is picked up to complete the retrieval. The barricade may also be deployed by hand by carrying the anchor and pulling the barricade from the reel.

[0023] While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A machine for deploying and retrieving traffic barricades comprising: an anchor; line or wire connecting the barricade units; a reel; and a retrieval devise. 